z-logo
Premium
Do A‐waves help predict intravenous immunoglobulin response in multifocal motor neuropathy without block?
Author(s) -
Lange Dale J.,
Nijjar Rajwinder,
Voustianiouk Andrei,
Seidel Gregory,
Panchal Janki,
Wang Annabel K.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.21914
Subject(s) - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , medicine , multifocal motor neuropathy , grip strength , electrophysiology , motor unit , cardiology , motor neuron , anesthesia , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , disease , electroencephalography , anatomy , mismatch negativity , psychiatry
Are there electrophysiological findings that predict response to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in patients with lower motor neuron (LMN) syndromes without multifocal conduction block (MCB)? Methods: We enrolled 9 patients with LMN syndromes without MCB to receive 18 weeks of IVIg therapy. Response was measured at weeks 2 and 18 using the Appel Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (AALS) score (includes grip and pincer strength measures), ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS), and electrophysiological measures, including motor unit estimates (MUNEs). Results: No change occurred in AALS or ALSFRS scores posttreatment. Grip/pincer strength increased in 7 patients ( P = 0.028) after initial treatment (responders); 2 showed no improvement (non‐responders). No electrophysiological measure changed after treatment in either group but MUNEs trended higher ( P = 0.055). “Abnormal A‐waves” (complex, repetitive biphasic, or present in multiple nerves) occurred in pretreatment studies more often in responders ( P = 0.028). Discussion: “Abnormal A‐waves” may signal IVIg‐responsive LMN syndromes even if conduction block is absent. Muscle Nerve, 2011

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here